$700K in specialty crop block grants available

The annual application period is now open for the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. CDA is accepting applications for the grant program in the form of a concept proposal through Feb. 7, 2022.

USDA partners with state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in areas such as marketing, promotion, education, research, trade and nutrition.

Priorities for Colorado’s specialty crop program include: supporting the next generation of farmers and ranchers, scaling up high-value agriculture and diverse market opportunities, and promoting and incentivizing soil, water and climate stewardship.

“As we work to increase resilience and diversity in our food system, Specialty Crop Block Grants provide an opportunity for producers to invest in projects that boost competitiveness and production efficiency,” said Jennifer Benson, Specialty Crops Block Grant Program manager. “By funding projects that impact and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and consumers, these grants benefit Colorado as a whole.”

CDA anticipates that approximately $700,000 will be available for this year’s grant program, with approved projects starting early in 2023.

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